The cost of live-in care depends on the support you need, the fees agreed with your carer and any agency charges.
One of the most common concerns when arranging care for yourself or a loved one is how much that care might cost. This can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone’s needs are different and the care market uses a variety of pricing structures and service models.
Country Cousins provides an introductory service that connects clients with self-employed live-in carers. The cost will depend on the level of support required and the arrangements agreed with your carer and Country Cousins.
Call our care advisors on 01293 224 706 to discuss your care needs and the cost of live-in care.
How much does live-in care cost per week?
The cost of live-in care per week starts at around £1,155 or £4,000 a month.
While live-in care can be more affordable than residential care, the real value comes from one-to-one support, continuity and the comfort of remaining at home.
Our pricing is available on request. If you would like a digital or printed copy of our pricing structure, please contact us directly.
How much does a care home cost?
The average cost of a care home is approximately £1,250 per week, equivalent to approximately £5,417 per calendar month when calculated across 52 weeks. The final cost can vary depending on the type of care required, the location of the care home and the facilities or specialist support provided.
Care home fees will usually cover accommodation, meals and day-to-day personal care. Some homes also charge separately for extras such as hairdressing and outings. Nursing care, dementia support and additional services may increase the overall cost, so it is important to check exactly what is included before making a decision.
What costs are involved in live-in care?
All details are agreed in advance, so you know what to expect before care begins.
The cost of live-in care can include several elements:
Lifetime registration fee
We charge a one-off registration fee when you register with us. This covers our initial consultation and set-up requirements and helps maintain an active pool of carers able to provide care in as little as 48 hours.
Carer fee
Country Cousins provides guidance on recommended rates for a carer’s services. As Country Cousins carers are self-employed, they invoice you directly for their services and you are responsible for paying the carer at the end of each week.
The rate will depend on the level of care and support required. You can also read our guide to how much private carers cost to understand more about the different factors that can affect carer rates.
Agency fee
The agency fee is charged by Country Cousins for its introductory and ongoing support service, including helping to match clients with suitable live-in carers.
Travel allowance
Carers charge for the cheapest reasonable method of travel to your home, whether this is a second-class return rail ticket or the applicable HMRC mileage rate. Travel expenses will be agreed before care begins.
Bank holidays
Bank holiday rates for both carers and Country Cousins can vary. Any additional charges should be agreed in advance.
Additional components
In some circumstances, extra support may be required overnight. If a carer needs to stay awake and provide regular waking support during the night, an additional waking-night fee may apply.
Clients are also typically expected to cover the cost of the carer’s food and household utilities, such as energy and Wi-Fi.
Can live-in care costs increase?
Once the inclusive weekly fee has been agreed, there will typically not be an increase in live-in care costs unless there is a significant change in the level of care your loved one needs.
It’s worth confirming exactly what is included in your agreed fee before care begins, including any potential additional charges.
What affects the cost of live-in care?
The cost of live-in care can vary depending on several factors. Because every person’s needs are different, the level of support required will influence the final cost.
Some of the key factors include:
- Level of care required: Light companionship and help with daily tasks may cost less than specialist support for complex conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s.
- Overnight support: If a carer needs to remain awake during the night to provide regular support, additional waking-night fees may apply.
- Location: Costs may vary depending on where you live in the UK and the availability of suitable carers in your area.
- Specialist experience: Some situations require carers with additional training or experience, which may affect the overall cost.
- Changes in care needs: If someone’s needs change significantly, the agreed cost may need to be reviewed.
Our care advisors will explain the costs and arrangements before care begins, so you can make an informed decision.
Live-in care vs visiting care costs
When comparing care options, it can help to look at both the cost and the amount of support provided.
Visiting or domiciliary care is usually charged by the hour. Indicative prices can vary depending on the provider, location and level of support required.
Overnight care can also be arranged separately and may cost around £100 to £200 per night, depending on the type of support required.
These figures are useful for comparison, but the actual cost will depend on the provider and the person’s circumstances.
| Care option | Typical pricing | What it can provide |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting care | Around £30 per hour | Scheduled visits for personal care, meals, medication prompts and other everyday support |
| Overnight care | Around £100 to £200 per night | Overnight support where a person needs someone available during the night |
| Live-in care | From around £1,155 per week | A live-in carer providing ongoing daytime support, companionship and help with everyday life |
As care needs increase, several visiting-care calls each day can become expensive, particularly when support is required over long periods. Live-in care provides continuity and one-to-one support while allowing someone to remain in their own home.
Ron and Cynthia’s story: choosing to stay at home
Cost is only one part of the decision when someone is considering live-in care. For Ron and Cynthia, staying together at home was an important part of choosing their care arrangements.
The couple chose live-in care rather than relocating to residential care, allowing them to continue living together in familiar surroundings.
Mrs M’s story: the value of getting the right match
When families weigh up the cost of live-in care, it’s worth considering what that cost provides over time.
In her published case study, Mrs M had been supported by Country Cousins for five years. Her carers, Lindsay and Peggy, described viewing her as family. As she put it to Lindsay: “I’m going to live another 100 years with you being here.”
Funding live-in care
Local authority funding
Your local council may contribute towards the cost of care following a care needs assessment and a financial assessment. Eligibility depends on your assessed care needs and financial circumstances.
The overall application process can take around two to three months, so it’s worth starting the process as early as possible if you think you may be eligible. Timescales vary; ask your council for its current estimate.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
In England, adults assessed as having a ‘primary health need’ may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This funds an agreed package of health and social care. Ask your NHS team about the assessment and options available where you live.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or health condition. In Scotland, new claims are for Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
Benefit rates can change each April. Check the current Attendance Allowance rates and eligibility criteria on GOV.UK when planning your care costs.
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may help with extra costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living or mobility. You must be aged 16 or over and usually under State Pension age to make a new claim. In Scotland, new claims are for Adult Disability Payment instead.
Check the current PIP rates and eligibility criteria on GOV.UK when planning your care costs.
Direct payments
If your local authority agrees to fund part of your care, you may receive direct payments. This allows you to arrange and manage your care services yourself.
If you are unsure what support you may be entitled to, our care advisors can explain the options available through Country Cousins. You can also visit our Financing and Funding Care Hub for further information.
How can I save for long-term care?
Planning early can make the cost of long-term care easier to manage.
This may involve:
- Setting aside regular savings
- Reviewing pensions and investments
- Checking whether you are eligible for financial support
- Speaking to a regulated financial adviser
For more practical guidance, read our guide to financial planning for multi-generational caregiving.
Frequently asked questions
Country Cousins live-in care starts at around £1,155 per week, although the final cost depends on the level of care required and the arrangements agreed. Contact our team for the current pricing structure.
It can be, depending on the circumstances. The costs of live-in care and residential care vary according to the level of support required, location and what is included in the fee. Live-in care can also be particularly cost-effective for couples who want to remain living together at home.
Costs can include the carer’s fee, Country Cousins’ agency fee, registration and travel arrangements. Clients will also typically cover the carer’s food and household utilities. Any additional charges, such as waking-night support or bank holiday rates, should be agreed in advance.
Visiting care is generally charged by the hour. Indicative prices can range from around £30 per hour, although the actual cost depends on the provider, location and level of support required.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for support from your local authority, NHS Continuing Healthcare, Attendance Allowance, PIP or direct payments. Eligibility varies, so it is important to check the relevant criteria.
A local authority financial assessment and funding application can take around two to three months. Timescales vary; ask your council for its current estimate. If you think you may be eligible for support, it is worth starting the process as early as possible.
Reviewed by Angela Rodbourne. Tuesday 13th October 2026.
